This holiday season is more unusual than ever, especially when it comes to seeing each other. Outside of a mask, what we see of our family, friends, and everyday people is basically confined to eyes, forehead, and hair. As a result, our team at Eye Plastic Associates has had an increased interest from people wanting Botox in those exposed areas. This includes smoothing frown lines, crow\u2019s feet, forehead lines and giving a modest lift to the brow. Botox can help rejuvenate the portions of the face people can see as they practice social distancing and wear a mask. <\/p>\n
When someone comes into our clinic wanting Botox, it\u2019s important that the patient understands the basics of this treatment first. Two of the most common questions asked are: How does Botox work, and is Botox a filler?<\/p>\n
Dr. Scott has a description he likes to use when helping patients understand exactly what Botox can do for them. Botox works by affecting the nerves that sit over the muscles, \u201calmost like fingers over the keys of a piano,\u201d Dr. Scott says. \u201cBotox goes into the end of the nerve terminals and prevents the release of these \u2018water balloons\u2019 filled with a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continues, \u201cThere\u2019s a SNARE protein complex in our body and its job, in a manner of speaking, is to take one of these \u2018water balloons,\u2019 open a window of the nerve terminal, and throw it at the muscle. When it hits the muscle, the acetylcholine then spreads locally over this muscle area causing it to contract. When you inject Botox, the Botox goes into the nerve terminal and tells the SNARE protein to \u2018sit down for three months! You\u2019re not allowed to throw any more water balloons at the muscle.\u2019 Therefore, no acetylcholine is released and the muscles in these treated areas relax, thereby softening facial wrinkles. After three months, the Botox wears off and the SNARE protein can continue its job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Therefore, the answer to the second question is no, Botox is not a filler. It doesn\u2019t fill a space \u2014 instead it affects the nerve terminal and the SNARE protein directly. <\/p>\n
| Of course, if you have more questions regarding Botox, or how it can help you look more rejuvenated this holiday season, call Eye Plastic Associates today to set up a consultation.<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | \n![\"dr\"](\"https:\/\/eyeplasticmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/dr.jpg\") ![\"sign\"](\"https:\/\/eyeplasticmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sign-300x49.png\") <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"DR. SCOTT ANSWERS 2 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS This holiday season is more unusual than ever, especially when it comes to seeing each other. Outside of a mask, what we see of our family, friends, and everyday people is basically confined … Continue reading |